Implementing a Multidisciplinary Approach to Surgical Care in Pediatric Urology
Research By: Laura Ramsey, PhD | Zachary Taylor, PhD, MS
Post Date: December 30, 2023 | Publish Date: Dec. 30, 2023
Urology | Top Scientific Achievement
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce recovery time through optimized perioperative care. While ERAS has shown success in adult care, little work has been done to evaluate it in pediatric populations.
A multi-institutional team implemented the ERAS protocol for complex urologic surgeries in children, with findings reported by first author Andrew Strine, MD, MPH, of Cincinnati Children’s and Kyle Rove, MD, from the Children’s Hospital Colorado.
The study aimed to assess successes and obstacles associated with rollout of the ERAS protocol at eight sites. This included surveys for providers, oversight by audit committees, and enrollment of a total of 40 patients. The most common challenges identified by providers were difficulty starting and adhering to the care pathway as well as shortage of time, financial resources or clinical support. However, all but one center in the study achieved the ambitious goal of 70% compliance.
“The pilot phase outcomes demonstrated that ERAS was successfully implemented for pediatric lower urinary tract reconstruction across multiple centers. This required a tailored, multidisciplinary approach focused on continuous auditing, adapting to local resources, and strong communication and leadership,” Strine says.
Looking ahead, the team plans a larger study of ERAS outcomes and quality improvement metrics that could support expanding the protocol to other surgical specialties.
Brian VanderBrink, MD, Division of Pediatric Urology, was a co-author. Other centers involved in the project included: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children’s Health Texas, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
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| Original title: | Feasibility of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) implementation in Pediatric Urology: Pilot-phase outcomes of a prospective, multi-center study |
| Published in: | Journal of Pediatric Urology |
| Publish date: | Dec. 30, 2023 |
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